These are select stats as of week 7, TNF may have shifted things slightly
TDs per game: lowest since 2001
Avg yards: lowest since 2008
Yards per play: lowest since 2007
Passing TDs per game: lowest since 2008
Net yards gained per pass attempt: lowest since 2007
Yards per reception: lowest EVER
Sacks per game: highest since 1997
Field goal attempts: highest since 1973
Kickoff returns per game: lowest ever (obviously new kick return rules)
Yardage per kick returned: lowest ever
All purpose yards per game: lowest since 1946 (passing+running+punt return+kick return+interception return+fumble return)
Source: pro football reference
I heard a mention on the radio that some offensive stats were trending quite low so decided to take a look. Found this pretty interesting considering all the rules that have been put in place to the benefit of offense.
What might explain this? Better defenses? Offenses/coaching worse? O-line depth? Younger, inexperienced QBs being thrown into the gauntlet- average QB age is probably the lowest it has ever been? Something else?
I think the lack of practice is a big reason. You basically can't really practice much anymore so the games are the only time you get reps. So timing and other things are just off early in the year. Granted that usually fixes itself earlier than week 8 but I still think it has an effect.